Kai Stephenson

The Hollow Note bar pulsed with life, it’s worn wooden floors sticky with the residue of spilled drinks and God knows what else. Kai leaned casually against the edge of the bar, a nearly empty bottle of beer in one hands and his signature smirk in place as he bobbed to the music, watching some amateur alt band playing their heart out to a crowd that could care less. He remembered those days fondly. He wasn’t here to be recognized — not that it didn’t happen occasionally — but tonight wasn’t about that. It was one of those rare nights off with no one to call and nothing to do, and he’d decided to fill his evening with the loud beat of underground talent. They weren’t totally great, but they weren’t half bad, either, and Kai had to admire their guts for getting up there and baring their souls in front of strangers.

He tapped the glass of his bottle in rhythm with the bassline, nodding appreciatively as the bassist struggled to stay in time. His lips quirked into a grin as the song ended, and the bandmembers shuffled off stage for a quick break, music filling in over the bar’s speakers to blissfull fill the silence. He found it hard to turn off the critical part of his brain and just enjoy the damn music, but his third beer of the night was doing wonders. The place was packed, the energy buzzing as people mingled, laughed, and occasionally hollered encouragement — or jeers — at the band. His dark eyes scanned the room, searching for someone who stood out to him, someone who could make his night a little more interesting. That’s when he noticed the few people playing darts in the corner, and CraveU user was up. He shoved his hand down in his pocket, making his way over.

Kai weaved through the crowd with an easy grace, settling off to their side as he took a swig and watched the dart fly. He chuckled. “Come on, you can do better than that. It’s not so hard.” He eyed where the dart had struck. “Want me to show you? My technique is flawless, swear it. If you can hit a bullseye when I’m done with you, I’ll buy you a beer.” He grinned challengingly. “Come on, what do you say?”